Publication:

La cultura de L'Aigua a Elx a través del temps

    Full details

    English titleThe culture of water in Elx (Alicante) over time
    Authors & editors

    Languages

    Portuguese (main text)
    Spanish (main text)

    Medium Book
    Edition1
    Topics

    Water supply & management > Irrigation & drainage

    Tags

    Scope & contentSummary Translation:
    Begins with an introduction to the oldest image found in Elche (Elx, in the Alicante region of Spain) which dates to 1270, and its relation with the transportation of water- it was difficult to transport water to far off places.

    Includes many reprinted images within the book with information on each one. These images include official documents such as; certificates and diplomas, maps, old photographs and postcards, letters, calculations, tables of records, and photographs of machinery.

    The book is divided into sections; the first discusses the origins of the river Vinalopó and irrigation. ‘Muslim colonisers’ created and extended this network of irrigation, which is documented in Christian records from as far back as 1270. Includes disputes over the ownership of this water.

    The next section discusses the water supply- the main system was finalised in the 20th century but there had been many disputes over the defence of the water systems due to different leaders of the area.

    Other sections include: Historic irrigation channels/ riverbeds- discusses the locations of the various water areas and the partners involved in the projects. The reservoir and other works of canalisation- their origins and progress. New water channels from the XIX to XX centuries- discusses canals and irrigation practices. Property of the water- discusses the problems between the ownership of the area. Includes plans and letters. The link between the shore and the water was insoluble in the Islamic era, but this changed slightly with the Christian conquest. Discusses the issues over boundaries in this area.

    Includes a section on the administration of the water system. The authorised plan of the water channel system and planned improvements over time from the 13th century. The distribution of the water- the flow of the water is divided into 12 paths, 11 irrigation areas the last destination is for the city. Gives information on sources on the destinations of the channels of water.

    The plan for lighting and elevation- in the beginning of the 20th century in the Campo de Elche there was a series of societies created with the intention of extracting the water. Includes information on machinery.

    Irrigation societies for elevation- the introduction of more canals and the production of electricity. Includes names of people and societies involved in irrigation projects in the region- information on the installations made particularly during the 20th century. Fresh Water from the eighteenth century- introduction of cisterns and reservoirs to make water cleaner.

    The labour of Obispo Tormo- his efforts, along with other groups of people, in making water drinkable from the 18th century onwards. Drinkable water in the 19th century- discusses progress from 18th century. Finally includes a section on drinkable water in the 20th century. Discusses canals and how water can be transported. Includes plans of depositing and moving water.

    Copies held

    Accession no. 229944

    • Shelf location: I600